First Aid: Fainting

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness that can happen because of dehydration, overheating, low blood sugar, exhaustion, an underlying condition, or sometimes emotional stress. It’s important to get medical care to figure out what brought on the fainting episode and help prevent it from happening again.

Signs and Symptoms

Someone who is about to faint might have:

What to Do

Whether your child is about to faint or already fainted: loosen tight clothing, make sure the area is well-ventilated, wipe your child’s face with a cool washcloth, and don’t let him or her stand or walk until feeling much better.

If your child seems about to faint:

Have him or her lie down or sit down with the head between the knees.

If your child has fainted:

Have him or her lie flat with feet slightly elevated. Avoid moving the child if you suspect any injuries from falling.